(Newser)
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Taking the attitude that "since we were now all-powerful, allies were no longer necessary," President Bush damaged the US' image and diminished its power, Fred Kaplan writes in Slate. How can the next president heal our diplomatic woes?

Visit all Middle East countries; leave a full-time envoy: "It is appalling that President Bush made his first trip to Israel and the Palestinian territories in his final year."

Get out of war: "Withdraw as quickly as possible while trying to keep Iraq from going up in flames."

Work toward new Pakistani alliances: "In this case, our hardheaded security interests and our moral aspirations—to create conditions for the survival and, if possible, the spread of democracy—coincide."

Make our diplomatic strides public: "Once we start doing smarter things, we should also be smart about promoting our efforts."